Kirksville offers several ways to explore history and the landscape: the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine tells the story of osteopathy in Kirksville from its beginnings to the present day, while free audio tours lead to the city’s landmarks. At Thousand Hills State Park, Forest Lake, wooded shores, and expansive savannas create a distinctive setting for nature and water activities.
Osteopathy History and Museums
The collections of the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine include more than 100,000 objects, photographs, documents, and books. They span the early 19th century to the present day, with a focus on the years 1870 to 1940. The museum showcases the development of osteopathy from its beginnings in Kirksville to today. Visitors can explore both a collection with a long history and a clearly defined historical focus.
The museum’s two-story atrium houses Dr. Andrew Taylor Still’s (1828–1917) birthplace log cabin and the original two-room classroom building of the American School of Osteopathy. The school was founded in 1892. These two preserved buildings provide a tangible architectural connection to the subject: alongside the collection, the log cabin and an early teaching space take center stage.
Another museum to visit is the Ruth W. Towne Museum on the Truman State University campus. It presents multimedia exhibitions in an area of about 3,000 square feet. The museum is open to the general public and all campus visitors to view its exhibitions.
Explore Kirksville on Foot
Kirksville’s free, podcast-style audio tours are available through the TravelStorys app. Its GPS feature automatically plays stories when visitors reach a location. You can explore the tour on foot and at your own pace. It highlights 100 landmarks in total, with historical stories told for 36 of them. The tour focuses on short stories about each location rather than setting a fixed pace for the entire route. App availability and details may change; check the latest information before setting out.
Designated trails also run throughout Kirksville. They offer safe, scenic routes for walking and cycling.
Forest Lake and Thousand Hills State Park
Forest Lake is in Thousand Hills State Park and forms its focal point. Wooded shores and expansive savannas shape the landscape. An interpretive pavilion explains the petroglyphs created by people who lived in this region more than 1,500 years ago. The park therefore combines nature with the region’s early history.
Fishing, water skiing, canoeing, and motorboating are all possible on Forest Lake. There is also a free swimming beach on the shore; its seasonal availability may change. A paved boat ramp provides access to the lake and is located near the park’s dining lodge. Operating conditions and any permits required may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.
Plan for Seasonal Events
From June through August, the Summer on the Square concert series takes place every Friday evening on the lawn of the Adair County Courthouse in downtown Kirksville. Dates and programming may change. If a concert fits your travel plans, check the current event calendar in advance.
The Kirksville Kiwanis Farmers’ Market offers local food and handmade goods in the Kirksville, Missouri, area on Saturdays from May through October, between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Dates and hours may also change, so confirm the details before your visit.
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